Communities Connect 2009 legislative priorities:

Continue state funding for the successful Community Health Care   Collaborative Grant program of $4 million for the biennium.

Introduce legislation that amends statute to remove the sunset language for the Community Health Care Collaborative Grant program and supports the development of a public/private statewide entity to coordinate technical assistance and outcome measurement among regional community healthcare collaboratives.

In addition Communities Connect supported:

1. Maximize federal SCHIP funds (use the full federal allocation for outreach)

2. Maintain state funding for the following:

• Medicaid eligibility at 300% FPL
• Cover All Kids outreach and linkage to care at  $4.4 million for the biennium
• Patient Navigator program
• Health Insurance Partnership

3. Stabilize public health funding for core infrastructure

4. Fully fund:

• Children’s Health Law (SB 5093)
• Medical Home (HB 2549)
• Emergency Department Diversion pilots (SB 5093)